Lexus has officially announced the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the all-new 2008 Lexus IS F high-performance sport sedan. The Lexus IS F is the first production model to wear the new “F” badge and is the fastest Lexus production car ever built. The 2008 IS F launches onto the market carrying a base MSRP of $56,000.

The 2008 Lexus IS F is exclusively powered by a performance-tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 371 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,200 rpm. With the implementation of a dual air intake system, high-flow cylinder heads with titanium intake valves designed by Yamaha, Variable Valve Timing with intelligence and Electrically controlled intake cam (VVT-iE) and other technological advancements, the engine outputs 83.2 hp per liter allowing the IS F to accelerate from 0 to 60 in a blistering 4.6 seconds and achieve a maximum track speed of 170 mph.

The IS F 5.0-liter engine is mated to the world’s first eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission with a quick and direct special lock up clutch and a control system that enables ultra-quick manual upshifts (0.1 seconds) and blips the throttle for precision downshifts. The driver can shift manually using either the console shifter or steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters when driving in either Drive mode (D) or Manual mode (M). The new transmission blends the performance characteristics of an automated manual-type transmission with the smoothness and refinement of a planetary-type automatic transmission, allowing the driver to choose between ultra-quick manual shifts for spirited performance driving and smooth automatic shifts when convenience and comfort are the top priorities.

Tested and tuned on some of the world’s most challenging racetracks including Nurburgring Nordschleife and Fuji Speedway, the IS F has been designed for ultimate performance. Although using the basic double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension configurations of the standard IS platform, the IS F benefits from a multitude of track-proven modifications that include increased spring and damper rates as well as larger-diameter stabilizer bars. The IS F also sits an inch lower and features suspension bushings and a calibrated Electric Power Steering (EPS) system tuned for a more direct feel.

In addition to the finely tuned suspension, a specially calibrated version of the advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system is equipped to provide superior handling dynamics and traction control. The IS F is also outfitted with a heavy-duty Brembo(R) brake system designed to the specifications of the Lexus engineering team. The 14.2-inch ventilated, drilled front rotors are gripped by rigid, powerful six-piston aluminum calipers, while the 13.6-inch ventilated, drilled rear rotors use two-piston calipers.

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With new and distinctive high-performance design features, the IS F is set apart from standard Lexus models. The IS F exterior styling has a muscular stance with front fascia, hood, fenders, underbody and rear spoiler all shaped to optimize airflow management and give the IS F a signature look. Unique “F” badges composed of silver, blue and black are located on both front fenders followed by a third badge on the trunk lid. Four exhaust diffusers, stacked two per side in a vertical arrangement, are integrated into the rear bumper and leave a lasting sporty impression. The IS F continues to differentiate itself from its siblings with its 19-inch forged-alloy wheels produced by BBS(R) that feature a distinct dark-gray finish.

Standard amenities include heated, leather-trimmed 10-way power front sport seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a pollen filter and smog detector; power moonroof with one-touch open/close and seven open-position settings; power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; three-position memory function for front seats, steering wheel and mirrors; all power windows with automatic up/down operation with jam protection; an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink(R) programmable garage door opener, SmartAccess keyless entry and push-button start, Lexus Premium Audio System with six-disc in-dash CD changer, automated rain-sensing wipers and heated auto-dimming outside mirrors with integrated puddle lamps. Options include a DVD Navigational System with backup camera, 14-speaker Mark Levinson(R) Surround Sound Audio System, Intuitive Park Assist, Pre-Collision System, and headlamp washers.

There are a few other sites talking about the Lexus IS F:
2008 Lexus IS F Priced in Mid-50s
2008 Lexus IS-F – Price details
US Pricing for 2008 Lexus IS F Announced

MSRP does not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $765.

The Toyota Division posted best-ever February sales of 164,812, up 13 percent. The Lexus Division reported best-ever February sales of 22,518 units, an increase of 6.6 percent. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever February sales of 92,938, up 20.2 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted February sales of 32,148, up 17.5 percent over the same period last year.

Camry Hybrid reported sales of 3,332 units in February. The Prius hybrid gas-electric mid-size sedan posted all-time best- ever sales of 12,227, an increase of 87 percent. The Yaris subcompact posted sales totaling 5,702 units for the month. Corolla reported February sales of 28,321, an increase of 12.9 percent.

Toyota Division light truck sales were up 4.9 percent, with a best-ever February total of 71,874 units. Light truck sales were led by the RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), which reported best-ever February sales of 11,643, up 5.2 percent over the same period last year.

The all-new Tundra full-size pickup reported sales of 9,669 units. The Highlander and Highlander Hybrid posted combined February sales of 9,368, up 3.7 percent over the same period last year. The Highlander Hybrid gas-electric mid-size SUV reported sales of 1,892 units for the month. FJ Cruiser reported February sales of 5,040 units.

Scion posted February sales of 8,956 units. The tC sports coupe led the way with February sales of 4,366 units. Scion xB posted sales of 2,868 units for the month.

Lexus passenger cars reported best-ever February sales of 13,491 units, an increase of 27 percent over February 2006. Passenger car sales were led by the ES 350 luxury sedan with February sales of 5,286 units, up 64 percent. The all-new LS 460 reported sales of 2,423, an increase of 138.7 percent.

Lexus Division light trucks reported February sales totaling 9,027 units with the RX 350 and RX 400h reporting combined February sales of 7,086 units. The RX 400h hybrid luxury utility vehicle reported sales of 1,249 units for the month.

TMS calendar-year-to-date hybrid sales totaled 33,182 units, an increase of 45 percent over the year-ago month. In February, TMS posted sales of 18,860 hybrid vehicles, up 72 percent. Toyota Division posted sales of 17,451 hybrids, up 90 percent over the same period last year, while the Lexus Division posted sales of 1,409 hybrids.

There were 24 selling days this sales month and last February.

Here’s a list of their websites:

http://www.toyota.com/

http://www.lexus.com/

http://www.scion.com/

http://www.toyota50th.com/

TOYOTA RETAIL SALES
(INCLUDES FLEET & HAWAII)
February, 2007

— CURRENT MONTH — – CALENDAR YEAR TO DATE –

DSR % DSR %
2007 2006 CHG 2007 2006 CHG

YARIS 5,702 0 — 11,572 0 –
COROLLA 28,321 25,088 12.9 53,840 49,975 5.5
CAMRY 32,148 27,354 17.5 63,609 54,794 13.7
AVALON 5,583 6,900 -19.1 12,112 13,846 -14.3
PRIUS 12,227 6,547 86.8 20,526 14,201 41.6
SCION xA 1,722 2,285 -24.6 3,480 4,343 -21.5
SCION xB 2,868 4,074 -29.6 5,701 7,910 -29.4
SCION tC 4,366 5,048 -13.5 8,779 9,855 -12.7
TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. PASS.
CAR 92,938 77,304 20.2 179,620 154,942 13.6
ES 350 5,286 3,223 64.0 10,606 6,556 58.5
LS 460 2,423 1,015 138.7 5,429 2,205 141.2
SC 430 282 446 -36.8 584 851 -32.8
GS 300 1,388 1,771 -21.6 2,756 3,470 -22.2
GS 430/450h 175 278 -37.1 358 557 -37.0
IS 250/350 3,937 3,882 1.4 7,332 7,955 -9.7
TOTAL LEXUS PASS. CAR 13,491 10,615 27.1 27,065 21,594 22.8
TOTAL TOYOTA PASS. CAR 106,429 87,919 21.1 206,685 176,536 14.7
SIENNA 11,039 12,329 -10.5 21,888 24,103 -11.0
RAV4 11,643 11,068 5.2 23,568 20,450 12.9
FJ CRUISER 5,040 0 — 9,988 0 –
4RUNNER 7,555 8,613 -12.3 14,885 17,125 -14.9
HIGHLANDER 9,368 9,033 3.7 19,690 17,781 8.5
LAND CRUISER 226 297 -23.9 460 587 -23.2
SEQUOIA 2,312 2,868 -19.4 4,370 5,622 -23.9
TOTAL SUV 36,144 31,879 13.4 72,961 61,565 16.1
4X2 TACOMA 8,698 8,124 7.1 16,176 15,514 2.1
4X4 TACOMA 6,324 5,611 12.7 11,909 10,631 9.7
TOTAL TACOMA 15,022 13,735 9.4 28,085 26,145 5.2
TUNDRA 9,669 10,566 -8.5 15,990 20,025 -21.8
TOTAL PICKUP 24,691 24,301 1.6 44,075 46,170 -6.5
TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. LT
TRUCK 71,874 68,509 4.9 138,924 131,838 3.2
LX 470 269 452 -40.5 556 996 -45.3
GX 470 1,672 1,813 -7.8 3,385 3,759 -11.8
RX 350/400h 7,086 8,247 -14.1 13,630 14,436 -7.5
TOTAL LEXUS LIGHT TRUCK 9,027 10,512 -14.1 17,571 19,191 -10.3
TOTAL TOYOTA LIGHT TRUCK 80,901 79,021 2.4 156,495 151,029 1.5
TOTAL TOYOTA DIV. 164,812 145,813 13.0 318,544 286,780 8.8
TOTAL LEXUS 22,518 21,127 6.6 44,636 40,785 7.2
TOTAL TOYOTA 187,330 166,940 12.2 363,180 327,565 8.6
MEMO:
DOM. COROLLA 25,549 22,549 13.3 48,311 45,793 3.3
DOM. CAMRY 24,990 25,271 -1.1 47,834 50,135 -6.5
DOM. PICKUP 24,691 24,301 1.6 44,075 46,170 -6.5
DOM. RX 350 4,832 5,065 -4.6 8,621 8,419 0.3

SELLING DAYS 24 24 49 48

TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT CAR 36,816 22,584 63.0 71,363 45,168 54.8
LEXUS IMPORT CAR 13,491 10,615 27.1 27,065 21,594 22.8
TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT CARS 56,122 54,720 2.6 108,257 109,774 -3.4
TOTAL TOYOTA CARS 106,429 87,919 21.1 206,685 176,536 14.7

TOYOTA DIV. IMPORT LT
TRUCK 33,832 29,011 16.6 68,591 55,943 20.1
LEXUS IMPORT LT TRUCK 4,195 5,447 -23.0 8,950 10,772 -18.6
TOYOTA DIV NA BUILT LT
TRUCK 38,042 39,498 -3.7 70,333 75,895 -9.2
LEXUS NA BUILT LT TRUCK 4,832 5,065 -4.6 8,621 8,419 0.3
TOTAL TOYOTA LT TRUCK 80,901 79,021 2.4 156,495 151,029 1.5

SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES 40,131 42,391 -5.3 80,544 80,756 -2.3
Memo: Lexus Sport
Utility 9,027 10,512 -14.1 17,571 19,191 -10.3

SMALL VANS 11,039 12,329 -10.5 21,888 24,103 -11.0
PICKUPS 24,691 24,301 1.6 44,075 46,170 -6.5

* NORTH AMERICAN BUILT
VEHICLES
COROLLA 25,549 22,549 13.3 48,311 45,793 3.3
CAMRY 24,990 25,271 -1.1 47,834 50,135 -6.5
AVALON 5,583 6,900 -19.1 12,112 13,846 -14.3
SIENNA 11,039 12,329 -10.5 21,888 24,103 -11.0
PICKUP 24,691 24,301 1.6 44,075 46,170 -6.5
SEQUOIA 2,312 2,868 -19.4 4,370 5,622 -23.9
RX 350 4,832 5,065 -4.6 8,621 8,419 0.3
TOTAL 98,996 99,283 -0.3 187,211 194,088 -5.5
N.A. VEHICLES % OF TOTAL 52.8% 59.5% 51.5% 59.3%

SELLING DAYS 24 24 49 48
DSR = DAILY SELLING RATE

Here’s more from the Lexus press release today:

For 2008, the Lexus RX 350 receives exterior enhancements that include a freshened front-grille design and new exterior chrome door handles. New seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with a Liquid Graphite finish are available as an option. The 2008 RX 350 also adds two new exterior colors: Brandy Wine Mica and Desert Sage Metallic. Inside, the Lexus RX 350 offers an additional wood trim color, Black Bird’s-Eye Maple, on units with a light gray interior.

Powerful Performance
Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, the Lexus RX 350 produces 270 horsepower and 251 lb.-ft. of torque. Featuring all-aluminum construction, the V6 harnesses the benefits of advanced technologies to optimize performance, fuel economy and low emissions. The V6 enables the RX 350 to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds for the FWD model and 7.4 seconds for the AWD model.

The performance of the Lexus RX 350 is comparable to the output of some competitive V8 engines while still providing a fuel-economy rating among the best in class for non-hybrids. Its five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is tuned for refined drivability as well as excellent fuel efficiency. EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating for the Lexus RX 350 is 20 mpg (18 mpg city/23 mpg highway) for the FWD model and 19 mpg (17 mpg city/22 mpg highway) for the AWD. The RX 350 retains its ULEV II emissions certification.

The highly sophisticated engine uses electronically controlled sequential fuel injection, which optimizes the fuel mixture and creates a precise burn, higher output and lower emissions to aid drivability. In addition, an electronic throttle control presides over several systems to maintain superior control of power flow. This system, Electronic Throttle Control with intelligence (ETC-i), helps manage idle speed, cruise control, Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The result is engine efficiency with excellent power and impressive fuel economy.

Refined Comfort and Luxury Features
The Lexus RX 350 produces minimal cabin noise allowing for a very quiet interior that provides an exceptional listening environment for its standard premium, satellite-ready, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio player with in-dash six-CD autochanger. The audio system is compatible with MP3/WPA-formatted CDs and includes Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL), Radio Data System (RDS) and a digital signal processor. Commonly used audio functions are accessible via steering-wheel-mounted controls.

For true audiophiles, a Mark Levinson Premium Audio System is optionally available. This 11-speaker system features an in-dash six-disc DVD/CD autochanger, DVD-audio and DVD-video playback as well as remarkable sound clarity at all volumes (with 210 watts at 0.1% THD, 20-20,000 Hz). An available factory-installed, rear-seat DVD-entertainment system features a nine-inch fold-away video screen for convenient viewing.

The Lexus DVD-Navigation System is optionally available on the RX 350 and includes voice-recognition that will allow the driver to input a desired destination by voice command while driving.

Like other Lexus navigation systems, the system is offered in conjunction with a rear back-up camera to supplement the driver’s visibility of the area behind the vehicle. The camera will provide the driver a view of what the camera lens can detect behind the vehicle, automatically projecting a color image on the navigation system’s seven-inch VGA screen when the reverse gear is engaged.

In addition to English, the navigation system includes Spanish and French text-display options. The user can select the language preference at system start-up.

Lexus’ craftsmanship and renowned attention to detail provide sumptuous comfort by design. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power front seats with available memory, a sliding center console, adjustable light in the visor vanity mirrors, and wood interior trim set the tone for luxury in the Lexus RX 350. Luxury extends to the smallest details, such as illuminated front cup holders and a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel with integrated audio-system and trip-computer controls.

Premium options include a power-tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory, and an illuminated entry system that lights the door handles, scuff plates, and front footwells.

A unique, wide-opening multipanel moonroof is an optional alternative to the optional conventional moonroof. With an open area that is 150-percent larger than a normal moonroof and an illumination area that is 250-percent larger, the multipanel moonroof is made of three separate glass panels. The front small panel is angled to reduce wind noise, the rear panel slides backwards on top of vehicle, while the middle glass panel slides backwards on top of rear panel.

Advanced All-Wheel-Drive
The AWD RX 350 model features a viscous limited-slip center differential, which enhances drivability in all types of driving conditions. The full-time AWD system provides a constant 50/50 front-to-rear power split. If slippage occurs, the viscous differential directs torque to the wheels with the most traction.

A direct-type Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system alerts the driver via a warning light on the instrument panel if a significant drop in tire pressure is detected in any of the tires.

Produced in Kyushu, Japan, and Cambridge in southern Ontario, Canada, the 2008 RX 350 will begin arriving at Lexus dealerships by the beginning of February.